Watch what you put in your mouth...

With the global takeover of fast food chain restaurants such as McDonalds and Burger King, it is becoming increasingly more tempting to grab a quick bite to eat instead of sitting down to a proper meal. It seems that eating a healthy, balanced diet is rather ironically being put on the back burner.

The key to a healthy diet is not completely cutting out carbohydrates or fatty foods from your eating regime, but to balance your intake from the main five food groups. This is a guide to healthy eating, aiming to inform you of the best foods to eat that will boost your general health and overall fitness level.

The five main food groups are as follows:

Meat, eggs and fish

Meat, eggs and fish are all major sources of protein. Protein is needed to help your body cells grow and repair themselves if damaged. It is very important that lost of protein is included in your diet.

Dairy

Dairy products, such as milk, yoghurt and chocolate, are an important source of calcium. Calcium is nutritious for both teeth and bones, however should be taken in controlled quantities. Dairy products are especially high in their saturated fat content.

Rice, bread and pasta

Generally disregarded by people, this food group is an important source of carbohydrates. Carbohydrates are a vital source of energy for the body and should also be eaten in a balanced quantity.

Vegetables and fruits

Eating your 5 a day is vital in your quest towards a healthy diet. A portion can be a single piece of vegetable or fruit, and is a great source of antioxidants. Antioxidants have been proven to reduce the possibility of developing cancer in later life.

Sugar

This is the food group that should definitely be eaten in moderation. Eating too much sugar, salt and fatty acids are the cause of many health disorders but when eaten in moderation, provide the body with an important energy source.

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